Question 1

The nurse is caring for a woman in labor who is given Talwin (pentazocine). Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

Accepted Answer

DTalwin (pentazocine) is an opioid analgesic that can cause dizziness and sedation, making it unsafe for the patient to ambulate without assistance, hence the need to elevate the side rails and instruct the patient to call for help. Additionally, opioids can affect blood pressure, necessitating close monitoring, especially in a laboring patient.

Question 2

The nurse would be most concerned if a patient taking phenobarbital reported daily consumption of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital is a central nervous system depressant and can interact with other depressants such as alcohol. Daily consumption of beer can increase the risk of respiratory depression and other adverse effects. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of certain medications, however, it is not a concern for interactions with phenobarbital. Milk and coffee do not have significant interactions with phenobarbital.

Question 3

Which of the following would cause the nurse to intervene for a patient taking Protonix (pantoprazole)?

Accepted Answer

Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that should not be chewed before swallowing. It is designed to be swallowed whole to ensure the medication is released in the body correctly. Chewing the medication can destroy the protective enteric coating, leading to decreased effectiveness of the drug and potential irritation to the esophagus.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a 14-year-old patient with epilepsy. The child takes phenytoin and started taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) 50 mg/day approximately 10 days ago. The child's mother calls to report a newly noted rash across the girl's face and arms. Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

The rash may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction to lamotrigine, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. The nurse should advise the mother to not give any more Lamictal and to bring the child in to be seen by a doctor immediately. Asking about soap or plant exposures is not relevant given the timing and symptoms of the rash. Offering symptomatic treatment without a physician assessment may delay appropriate care and potentially worsen the child's condition.

Question 5

Which of the following lab values should be followed periodically for a patient taking Paxil (paroxetine)?

Accepted Answer

Paxil (paroxetine) can cause hematological side effects such as bleeding, anemia, and changes in blood counts, making it important to monitor the complete blood count (CBC) periodically.

Question 6

A student nurse caring for a patient who is taking Creon (pancrelipase) would include which of the following statements when reviewing medications with the instructor?

Accepted Answer

Creon (pancrelipase) is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy that is used to increase absorption of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency, such as those with pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. It does not reduce inflammation of the pancreas, bind with proteins, or relieve abdominal pain caused by liver damage in patients with a history of alcohol abuse.

Question 7

The nurse is providing care for a 92-year-old patient who has a standing order for Ambien (zolpidem) prn for insomnia. When providing the medication for the patient as requested, which of the following actions by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

The best action by the nurse when providing Ambien (zolpidem) to a patient is to ensure the patient is in bed, ready for sleep, and raise the bed side rails. This is important to prevent falls and other injuries that can occur due to the medication causing drowsiness or confusion. Informing the patient that the medication will work within 10 min is not necessary as the patient may already know this information. Instructing the patient to eat crackers to reduce stomach irritation is also not necessary as the medication can be taken with or without food. Suggesting the patient take the medication routinely every night is not appropriate as the medication should only be taken as needed for insomnia.

Question 8

A student nurse caring for a client with a history of anxiety disorder would expect which of the following medications to be included in the patient's treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety disorders due to its anxiolytic properties. It can also help with insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Atarax (hydroxyzine) is also used as an anxiolytic but is more commonly used for its antihistamine properties to treat allergies. Bonine (meclizine) is used to treat vertigo and motion sickness. Adalat CC (nifedipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina.

Question 9

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving Aredia (pamidronate) for the treatment of Paget's disease. Which of the following symptoms would be most concerning to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Muscle twitching is a possible sign of hypocalcemia, which is a potential side effect of Aredia therapy. The nurse should monitor the patient's calcium levels and report any signs of hypocalcemia, such as muscle twitching, to the provider. Anorexia, bone pain, and constipation are common symptoms of Paget's disease and may improve with Aredia therapy.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a patient with multiple medications, including Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) QID. The nurse knows this medication is effective by which of the following signs or symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. One of the common symptoms of Parkinson's disease is hand tremors. Therefore, the effectiveness of the medication can be evaluated by the patient having fewer hand tremors. The other options listed are not directly related to the medication's effectiveness.

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient taking Xenical (orlistat). Which of the following symptoms would be most concerning to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting could indicate a serious adverse effect or an intolerance to the medication, requiring further assessment and possibly discontinuation of the drug. Orange-colored oil in stool, fecal urgency, and flatus with discharge are common side effects of orlistat due to its mechanism of action blocking fat absorption, but they are not typically concerning.

Question 12

The nurse is caring for a woman with metastatic breast cancer who was recently admitted with hypercalcemia. Which of the following medications does the nurse anticipate would be included in the treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Zometa (zoledronic acid) is a medication used in the treatment of hypercalcemia associated with cancer. It works by inhibiting osteoclast activity and reducing bone resorption, which can cause a decrease in serum calcium levels. Oscal (calcium carbonate) is a calcium supplement and would generally be avoided in the treatment of hypercalcemia. Sandostatin (octreotide) is used to treat acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors, but it is not indicated for the treatment of hypercalcemia. Emend (aprepitant) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, but it is not indicated for the treatment of hypercalcemia.

Question 13

While caring for a patient who is taking Imodium (loperamide), the nurse would be most concerned by which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Tenting across the clavicular region and decreased reflexes are signs of dehydration, which can be a serious side effect of taking Imodium. The drug works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, which can lead to excessive water absorption and fluid loss. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other complications. The other symptoms listed are either common side effects of Imodium or unrelated to its use.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a client who is to receive Trileptal (oxcarbazepine). The nurse recognizes this client most likely has a history of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is an antiepileptic medication, so the client likely has a history of seizures.

Question 15

The nurse is caring for a patient who is NPO after midnight for a cardiac catheterization scheduled for 1 p.m. The patient normally receives Glucophage (metformin) 1,000 mg po BID, and the morning dose is due at 8:30 a.m. The patient's blood glucose result was 115. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should hold the medication since the patient is NPO and will not be able to receive oral medications before the cardiac catheterization.

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an order for Osmitrol (mannitol) 1 g/kg to be infused over an hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the medication?

Accepted Answer

Before administering Osmitrol, the nurse should determine the patient's blood pressure as Osmitrol may cause hypotension. While it is important to assess for other parameters such as deep tendon reflexes, level of consciousness, and bowel sounds, they are not directly related to the administration of Osmitrol.

Question 17

The nurse receives a call from an 82-year-old patient with advanced prostate cancer who is being treated with Eligard (leuprolide) therapy. Which of the following statements requires immediate notification of the physician?

Accepted Answer

Numbness and weakness in the legs may be a sign of a serious side effect of Eligard therapy known as spinal cord compression. This requires immediate notification of the physician as urgent intervention may prevent permanent damage. The other statements may require physician notification, but they are not as urgent.

Question 18

While caring for a patient who uses oral birth control pills and is taking PO (procaine penicillin
G., which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the client teaching?

Accepted Answer

PO (procaine penicillin G) can decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills, so it is important for the client to use a barrier method of birth control (e.g. condoms) during the therapy and until their next menstrual cycle to prevent unintended pregnancy. Option A is incorrect as it is incorrect advice to have the client stop taking their birth control pills for an extended period of time. Option C is incorrect as a hormone patch would not be a typical recommendation in this scenario. Option D is incorrect as mentioned earlier, PO (procaine penicillin G) can decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills, and alternative protection should be used.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a patient with a known history of narcotic abuse. The patient is started on methadone 30 mg po daily during detoxification. Which of the following assessments would indicate the patient's dose may need to be decreased?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a patient...

Question 20

The nurse prepares to provide Zofran (ondansetron) in orally disintegrating tablet. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), like Zofran, should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve without water. This enhances the drug's absorption and onset of action. The nurse should instruct the patient not to chew or swallow the tablet whole, as this may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses Test 2

The nurse is caring for a woman in labor who is given Talwin (pentazocine) . Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

The nurse would be most concerned if a patient taking phenobarbital reported daily consumption of which of the following?

Which of the following would cause the nurse to intervene for a patient taking Protonix (pantoprazole) ?

Which of the following lab values should be followed periodically for a patient taking Paxil (paroxetine) ?